New Archdeacon of Sherborne starts work

The new Archdeacon of Sherborne, the Ven Penny Sayer begins her role in West and North Dorset today.

L-R: Bishop Karen, Archdeacon Penny, Bishop Nicholas

She said: “It is a great privilege to join the team in the Diocese of Salisbury.

“Having served in rural, urban and coastal parishes I relish the chance to get to know the variety of communities served by the church in the Archdeaconry of Sherborne and supporting them in mission and ministry.

“This post comes with additional responsibilities for social justice issues and clergy well-being, areas of ministry which are very close to my heart. It will be a real joy to join those already at work here.

The new Archdeacon, who comes to the Diocese with a strong background in strengthening and enabling parishes to be the best that they can be, was collated by the Bishop of Salisbury and presented by the Bishop of Sherborne at a special Choral Evensong at Sherborne Abbey on Sunday.

The Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham said:

“We are delighted that Penny has taken up the post of Archdeacon of Sherborne. She brings both pastoral and strategic gifts to the diocese at an exciting time ready to support the churches in West and North Dorset in the opportunities and challenges we face”.

“Penny will be a great addition to the Diocese of Salisbury. She brings exceptional experience to the role.”

Since being ordained in 2006, Penny has served in parishes in Hastings and the London/Essex borders before taking on her current role, and therefore brings a particular understanding of the needs of coastal communities and those with high levels of deprivation.

Her previous post was as the Diocese of Chelmsford’s first “Turnaround Minister” providing support, training, mentoring and where necessary leadership to strengthen congregations and clergy and enabling them to overcome obstacles to mission.